HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program) Fact Sheet What Is HAARP?

The High frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) is a program focused on the study of upper atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics and Radio Science. The HAARP program operates a major Arctic ionosphere research facility on an Air Force owned site near Gakona, Alaska. Principal instruments installed at the HAARP Research Station include a high power, high-frequency (HF) phased array radio transmitter (known as the Ionosphere Research Instrument (IRI), used to stimulate small, well-defined volumes of ionosphere, and a large and diversified suite of modern geophysical research instruments including an HF ionosonde, ELF and VLF receivers, magnetometers, riometers, a UHF diagnostic radar and optical and infrared spectrometers and cameras which are used to observe the complex natural variations of Alaska's ionosphere as well as to detect artificial effects produced by the IRI. Future plans include completion of the UHF radar to allow measurement of electron densities, electron and ion temperatures, and Doppler velocities in the stimulated region and in the natural ionosphere using incoherent scatter techniques. Is HAARP Unique? Ionosphere research facilities have been in continuous use since the 1950s to investigate fundamental physical principles which govern the earth's ionosphere, so that present and future transmission technologies may take into account the complexities of this highly variable medium. In addition to HAARP, the United States has operated two other ionosphere research sites in recent years, one in Puerto Rico, near the Arecibo Observatory, and the other (known as HIPAS) in Alaska near Fairbanks. Both of these facilities were built with both active and passive radio instrumentation similar to those at the HAARP facility. Interest in the ionosphere is not limited to the US: a five-country consortium operates the European Incoherent Scatter Radar site (EISCAT), a premier ionosphere research facility located in northern Norway near Tromso. Facilities also are located at Jicamarca, Peru; near Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod ("SURA") and Apatity, Russia; near Kharkov, Ukraine and in Dushanbe, Tadzhikistan. All of these installations have as their primary purpose the study of the ionosphere, and most employ the capability of stimulating to a varying degree small, localized regions of the ionosphere in order to study methodically, and in a detailed manner what nature produces randomly and regularly on a much larger scale. HAARP is unique to most existing facilities due to the combination of a research tool which provides electronic beam steering, wide frequency coverage and high effective radiated power collocated with a diverse suite of scientific observational instruments. Who is Building HAARP? Technical expertise and procurement services as required for the management, administration and evaluation of the program are being provided cooperatively by the Air Force (Air Force Research Laboratory), the Navy (Office of Naval Research and Naval Research Laboratory), and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Since the HAARP facility consists of many individual items of scientific equipment, both large and

small, there is a considerable list of commercial, academic and government organizations which are contributing to the building of the facility by developing scientific diagnostic instrumentation and by providing guidance in the specification, design and development of the IRI. BAE Advanced Technologies (BAEAT) is the prime contractor for the design and construction of the IRI. Other organizations which have contributed to the program include the University of Alaska, Stanford University, Cornell University, University of Massachusetts, UCLA, MIT, Dartmouth University, Clemson University, Penn State University, University of Tulsa, University of Maryland, SRI International, Northwest Research Associates, Inc., and Geospace, Inc. What is the Value of Ionosphere Research? The ionosphere begins approximately 35 miles above the earth's surface and extends out beyond 500 miles. In contrast to the dense atmosphere close to the earth, which is composed almost entirely, of neutral gas, the thin ionosphere contains both neutral gas and a small number of charged particles known as ions and electrons. This ionized medium can distort, reflect and absorb radio signals, and thus can affect numerous civilian and military communications, navigation, surveillance and remote sensing systems in many varied ways. For example, the performance of a satellite-to-ground communication link is affected by the ionosphere through which the signals pass. AM broadcast programs, which in the daytime can be heard only within a few tens of miles from the station, at night sometimes can be heard hundreds of miles away, due to the change from poor daytime to good nighttime reflection from the ionosphere. A long-range HF communication link which uses multiple hops or reflections from the ionosphere and ground, often experiences amplitude fading caused by interference between signals which have traveled from the transmitter to the receiver by two (or more) different ionosphere paths. Since the sun's radiation creates and maintains the ionosphere, sudden variations in this radiation such as those caused by solar flares can affect the performance of radio systems. Sometimes these natural changes are sufficient to induce large transient currents in electric power transmission grids, causing widespread power outages. Lightning is known to cause substantial heating and ionization density enhancement in the lower ionosphere, and there are indications that ground-based HF transmitters, including radars and strong radio stations, also modify the ionosphere and influence the performance of systems whose radio paths traverse the modified region. Perhaps the most famous example of the latter is the "Luxembourg" effect, first observed in 1933. In this case a weak Swiss radio station appeared to be modulated with signals from the powerful Luxembourg station, which was transmitting at a completely different frequency. Music from the Luxembourg station was picked up at the frequency of the Swiss station. The continual growth in the number of civilian and military satellite systems whose performances can be affected by changes in ionosphere conditions stimulates research on characterizing and understanding those effects, whether they be natural (solar related) or the result of controlled local modification of the ionosphere, using ground HF transmitters. The HAARP facility is capable of supporting research in both these areas of interest, by utilizing its flexible HF transmitting array and its suite of radio and optical diagnostic instruments for active experimental research. Effectively, the diagnostic instruments alone

constitute a space-weather observatory (on the ground), which provides real-time data on the state of the dynamic ionosphere over much of Alaska. Why is the DoD Involved? The Department of Defense (DoD) conducts Arctic research to ensure the development of the knowledge, understanding and capability to meet national defense needs in the Arctic. Interest in ionosphere research at HAARP stems both from the large number of communication, surveillance and navigation systems that have radio paths which pass through the ionosphere, and from the unexplored potential of technological innovations which suggest applications such as detecting underground objects, communicating to great depths in the sea or earth, and generating infrared and optical emissions. Expanding our knowledge about the interactions of signals passing through or reflecting from the ionosphere can help to solve future problems in the development of DoD systems, and could as well enhance the utilization of commercial systems which rely on the expedient transfer of real-time communications. Why Gakona, Alaska? During HAARP's environmental impact study, Gakona was identified as one of two DoDowned, Alaskan locations which satisfied the site selection criteria of being within the auroral zone, near a major highway for year-round access, away from densely settled areas and their electrical noise and lights that could interfere with sensitive research measurements, on relatively flat terrain, of realistic and reasonable construction and operation costs, as well as minimal environmental impacts. On October 18, 1993 following the July 15, 1993 issuance of the Air Force's Environmental Impact Statement which evaluated potential environmental effects of constructing and operating the HAARP facility, a Record of Decision (ROD) signed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations selected Gakona as the location for the HAARP facility. Location of the HAARP Facility The access road is located at Milepost 11.3 on the Tok highway. The geographic coordinates of the HF antenna array are approximately 62.39 degrees (North) latitude, 145.15 degrees (West) longitude. The geomagnetic coordinates for the facility are 63.09 degrees (North) latitude and 92.44 degrees (West) longitude. What is the IRI and what does it transmit? Basically, the IRI is what is known as a phased array transmitter. It is designed to transmit a narrow beam of high power radio signals in the 2.8 to 10 MHz frequency range. Its antenna is built on a gravel pad having dimensions of 1000' x 1200' (about 33 acres). There are 180 towers, 72' in height mounted on thermopiles spaced 80' apart in a 12 x 15 rectangular grid. Each tower supports near its top, two pairs of crossed dipole antennas, one for the low band (2.8 to 8.3 MHz), the other for the high band (7 to 10 MHz). The antenna system is surrounded by an exclusion fence to prevent possible damage to the antenna towers or harm to large animals. An elevated ground screen, attached to the towers at the 15' level, acts as a reflector for the antenna array while allowing vehicular access underneath to 30 environmentally-controlled transmitter shelters spaced throughout the array. Each shelter contains 6 pairs of 10 kW transmitters, for a total of 6 x

30 x 2 x 10 kW = 3600 kW available for transmission. The transmitters can be switched to drive either the low or high band antennas. Electric prime power is provided from an onsite power plant housing five, 2500 kW generators, each driven by a 3600 hp diesel engine. Four generators are required for operation of the IRI and the fifth is held as a spare. From a control room within the Operations Center, the transmission from each of the 180 crossed-dipole antennas is adjusted in a precise manner under computer control. In this manner, the complete array of antennas forms a narrow antenna pattern pointed upward toward the ionosphere. The transmitted signal diverges (spreads out) as it travels upward and is partially absorbed, at an altitude which depends on the transmitted HF frequency, in a small volume several tens of miles in diameter and a few hundred meters thick directly over the facility. The remainder of the transmitted signal either reflects back toward the earth or passes through the ionosphere into space, continuing to diverge as it does so. By the time it reaches the ionosphere, the intensity of the HF signal is less than 3 microwatts (0.000003 watt) per cm2, thousands of times less than the Sun's natural electromagnetic radiation reaching the earth and hundreds of times less, even, than the variations in intensity of the Sun's natural ultraviolet (UV) energy which creates the ionosphere. How safe are these transmissions? Because the antenna pattern of the IRI array has been tailored to transmit its signal upward rather than toward the horizon, radio field strengths at ground level, including areas directly under the antenna array, are calculated to be smaller than Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) standards allow for human exposure. This is possible because the individual transmitters are spaced apart over 33 acres so that the concentration of radio fields never exceeds these nationally recognized safety standards. Electromagnetic field strength measurements have been made throughout the development of the facility, beginning in 1994 and regularly thereafter. Measurements on the ground, directly under and around the array and at multiple points on-site and off-site have verified compliance with RFR standards as well as with all requirements for safety mandated in the EIS Record of Decision. At the point of closest public access on the Tok Highway, for example, the measured fields are ten-thousand times smaller than permitted by the RFR standards and hundreds of times smaller than typically found near AM broadcast station antennas in many urban areas. The strength of these fields continues to decrease in a rapid manner at greater distances from the facility. What about aircraft? While the signals along the ground are well-below adopted safety levels, the signals transmitted above the antenna array may have sufficient strength to interfere with electronic equipment in aircraft flying nearby. Therefore, to ensure the safety of all flight operations in the vicinity of HAARP, the facility employs an aircraft alert radar (AAR) to automatically shut off appropriate transmissions when aircraft are detected either within or approaching a defined safety zone around the facility. Flight tests are conducted regularly to demonstrate the capability of the HAARP radar to detect even very small targets. Research operations are not conducted unless the AAR is operating satisfactorily.

What is the potential for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)? Every radio transmitting facility has the potential to interfere with other radio spectrum users. To determine the potential for HAARP's transmissions to interfere inadvertently with other spectrum users such as Alaskan TV, AM/FM radio, ham radio, or even with HAARP's own sensitive radio receiving equipment, a comprehensive RFI study was conducted during the environmental impact study phase. Theory predicted that in several worst-case scenarios, interference may be encountered by some nearby users sharing the RF spectrum. On the other hand, the real world experiences of similar ionosphere research instruments and radar diagnostics employed elsewhere in the world have shown that compatible operations are practical. Included in HAARP's Spectrum Certification from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) are commitments to a mitigation program that includes the use of state-of-the-art transmitters with stringent requirements for minimizing out-of-band transmissions; proper orientation of the HF antenna array and adoption of operating procedures, including beam steering, to minimize array side-lobes; employing special techniques such as waveform shaping, filtering and antenna null placement; and working with affected spectrum users, if any, to reach mutually agreeable solutions. A local phone number (907) 822-5497 permits anyone believing they have interference from HAARP to contact the Gakona site operations center. In addition, an automated spectrum monitor is installed to allow the HAARP control operator to monitor nearby spectrum usage to assist in frequency selection for avoiding potential interference. What is the RFI Resolution Advisory Committee? The Record of Decision stipulated than an RFI Resolution Committee ("Committee") would be formed with local representation, to help mitigate potential RFI issues. The local community-appointed resident would serve as an ombudsman to ensure community satisfaction with the RFI mitigation approaches undertaken by HAARP. The purpose of the Committee is to provide a forum for the thorough review of confirmed RFI reports. This Committee has met at least yearly since December 6, 1994. Committee members are from the following organizations (one from each): Community-appointed resident, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), ALASCOM, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Fish & Wildlife (Federal), Fish & Game (State), National Park Service, HAARP Environmental Liaison Officer, HAARP operational staff (site supervisor or delegate), HAARP Program-appointed chairperson, National Park Service, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), and the combined Alaska military command (ALCOM) frequency coordinator. To ensure that all concerns, including aircraft safety as well as radio frequency interference issues, are addressed completely, a Developmental Prototype (DP) was completed in 1994. The DP consisted of a 6 x 8 (48 antenna element) array of crossed dipole antennas. A 3 x 6 (18 antenna elements) subset of these antennas was energized by 18 pairs of 10 kW transmitters contained in three separate shelters, thus supplying up to a maximum of 360 kW. Prime power for this initial array was obtained from three portable 350 kW diesel generators.

During 1998, the DP was upgraded to include transmitters for all 48 of the antenna elements that were originally installed. This Filled Developmental Prototype (FDP) was capable of producing 960 kW of total transmitter power. Measurements of the HF fields in the vicinity of the FDP antenna array showed that field intensities everywhere, including within the FDP beam, were below recommended international safety limits for fly-by-wire aircraft. Nonetheless, the FDP was only operated in conjunction with the aircraft alert radar, to insure that no high power transmissions occurred when there was local flight traffic. Operation and test of the FDP verified the system engineering design and helped develop interference mitigation procedures that are now integrated into all research operations involving the IRI. HAARP Diagnostics HAARP has developed an extensive set of diagnostic instrumentation to support ionosphere research at auroral latitudes, to characterize the processes produced in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere by high power radio waves and to assess the potential of emerging ionosphere/radio technology for DoD applications. While some of these scientific instruments are collocated with the IRI at the research facility, others, due to geometrical considerations, are located off-site at various distances from the facility. One of the primary active on-site instruments is the HF ionosonde, which transmits in the 1-30 MHz band and is used to provide scientists with information about the electron density profile in the ionosphere. Another is the UHF ionosphere radar which transmits radio wave signals in the 430 - 450 MHz band and which will eventually be expanded to provide incoherent scatter capability. Among the passive on-site instruments are two magnetometers for the measurement of the earth's magnetic field and its variations, and two riometers (relative ionosphere opacity meter) to sense ionosphere absorption of the celestial background electromagnetic radiation. The radio spectrum from 100 kHz to 1 GHz is being recorded to determine frequency of usage and to monitor HAARP transmissions to ensure adherence to FCC and NTIA requirements. Other passive on-site instruments include sensitive optical imagers and photometers, ELF/VLF receivers, and Total Electron Content receivers. Data obtained from these scientific instruments are readily accessible on the internet in near real time, allowing scientists to observe and participate in the investigations directly from their laboratories. In addition to the instruments specifically developed by HAARP, a number of diagnostics potentially are available through other federal agencies and the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute. Use of Local Resources The Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) has played a major role in the development of diagnostics and coordination of Arctic programs with the US scientific community. UAF led a consortium of universities and industries which provided support in the design and development of the Gakona facility and its associated scientific instruments. BAE Advanced Technologies, the prime contractor for the IRI, utilized Eric Goozen for initial site survey work. Ahtna Construction, Inc., a Glennallen based contractor, has contributed very extensively to the development of the facility. Ahtna currently provides housekeeping and security services. Anchorage-based engineering firms Duane Miller & Associates and USKH prepared the civil and pad design work and

conducted the on-site testing and evaluation. Arctic Foundation of Anchorage designed and manufactured, and Kiewit Pacific Company installed thermopiles in the pad, using Amtec, Inc. to survey the thermopile locations and Tester Drilling and EBA Engineering to provide drilling support. Acme Fence Company installed fencing, using the services of Mark Lappi to survey the fence lines and B&B Plumbing to steam thaw the ground for drilling. City Electric, Inc. erected the towers, antennas, and ground screen. Pacific Detroit Diesel and Valley Diesel refurbished and installed the 2.5 MW diesel generators which are used to power the HF transmitters. Service Oil provides fuel oil. Copper Valley Telephone installed the telephone lines, and Copper Valley Electric supplies commercial housekeeping power. Bishop & Sons Enterprises supplies water, while CBS Service provides trash removal and sewage disposal. Harley McMahon flew sorties to test the capabilities of the aircraft alert radar and provide the opportunity for aerial photography. Current/Future Operations at the HAARP Research Facility Construction of the full IRI was completed in early 2007. In the near term, emphasis is being placed on validating the performance of the complete IRI to include compliance with all specifications for interference mitigation and safety of operations. Initial IRI testing began during March 2007. Both on- and off-site scientific, observational instruments are now providing data on the natural high latitude ionosphere. A complete listing of these scientific instruments is available. Environmental Process In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluated the consequences of constructing and operating the HAARP research facility in Alaska. The EIS discusses impacts on such diverse topics as electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, air quality, subsistence, cultural resources, atmosphere and others. State and federal environmental regulatory agencies were consulted to identify issues, and additional input was solicited from the public during scoping meetings held in Anchorage and Glennallen, Alaska in August 1992. A draft of the EIS was prepared and distributed to the public and to specific organizations on March 12, 1993. Public hearings were held in Glennallen and Anderson, municipalities close to the sites under consideration. The final EIS was released to the public on July 15, 1993 and the Record of Decision selecting Gakona, Alaska as the site for the HAARP Ionosphere Research Facility was signed on October 18, 1993. In addition to the NEPA process described above, the HAARP facility complies with all applicable state and federal regulations that are appropriate for its construction and operation. Additional Information An updated version of this fact sheet will be issued as often as program changes warrant to keep interested parties appraised of significant developments in regard to HAARP. Any

individual seeking additional information about HAARP, or wishing to provide comments regarding HAARP, may contact:

Office of Public Affairs Air Force Research Laboratory 3550 Aberdeen Ave S.E. Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776

An Overview of the HAARP Program The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) operates a major ionospheric research facility at Gakona, Alaska. As you look through our web site, you will find many technical details about this facility and about active ionospheric research in general. The web site also contains descriptive material on the Earth's ionosphere and gives examples of some of the scientific results obtained at the HAARP facility. There is a strong connection between the ionospheric research conducted at the HAARP facility and many practical issues that affect our everyday lives. All long-distance high frequency (HF) communication systems, such as ship-to-shore communications, transoceanic aircraft links, and portable systems used so frequently in Alaska and other remote areas, operate by bouncing signals off the ionosphere, a process often referred to as sky-wave propagation. By studying a small, limited portion of the ionosphere directly over the facility, research at the HAARP observatory is able to probe the nature of this dynamic medium, both in its naturally disturbed condition and when artificially stimulated, with the goal of being able to provide the fundamental understanding necessary to enhance the performance of such systems. Radio signals at much higher frequencies are used with satellite communication systems such as the military's UHF satellite constellation and with navigation systems such as GPS. In this case, the signals must pass through the ionosphere. The performance of these systems can be negatively impacted by naturally occuring ionospheric processes such as scintillation, fading and Faraday rotation. Research at HAARP is of great value in studying and characterizing these ionospheric processes as well. Research conducted at the HAARP facility can be classified as Basic or Exploratory Research which is fundamental in nature, often resulting in discoveries or significant broadening of the knowledge base. The eventual development of useful technologies and applications or the improvement in the performance of existing systems sych as those discussed above, is facilitated when it is based on a strong and complete understanding of the underlying fundamental processes. We like to think that when the apple fell on Newton's head, it motivated him to think about the motion of heavenly bodies. Eventually, through a process akin to fundamental research, Newton was able to derive equations that described the orbits of planets in the solar system. He could not foresee how his laws of motion could be applied to space flight or to the launching of communication satellites. Another relevant example is the fundamental research of chemists F. Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina who were studying the catalytic properties of halogen compounds in photochemical reactions. Although not an initial objective of their research, they published

a paper in 1974 extending their investigations to conditions existing in the Earth's stratosphere and came to the startling conclusion that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) being released on Earth would cause significant depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, thereby destroying our protection against harmful solar ultraviolet radiation and increasing the risk of skin cancer and other health problems. At that time, CFCs were used primarily in air conditioners and as a propellant in hair sprays. Their conclusion was not warmly received by the industrial manufacturers of such compounds and was debated within scientific circles, but subsequent measurements made using high-altitude balloons showed that the predicted depletion of the ozone layer was actually occurring at an alarming rate. Fortunately, the international community reacted to this environmental threat fairly quickly, and an agreement was reached in 1987 to phase out the manufacture and use of CFCs. This agreement has been implemented, at least in the developed countries of the world, but it is too early to see any significant results. The latest predictions, using sophisticated computer models of atmospheric phenomena, are that the desired restoration of the ozone layer should begin occurring by the year 2015. In recognition of their scientific contributions that alerted the world to this serious environmental problem, Rowland and Molina were awarded the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This is a powerful example of how basic research can yield significant, unplanned benefits for mankind. Twenty years ago, the leading scientists in the ionospheric research community were consulted to obtain their input and to help define the future operating characteristics of the HAARP facility. Top research scientists continue to be involved with HAARP's research program and with its educational and outreach activities. The facility has been used for exciting new research and regularly produces discoveries in ionospheric physics worthy of publishing in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Geophysical Research, Geophysical Research Letters, and Radio Science. Since the first research campaign at HAARP in 1999, well over 100 scholarly papers have been published in scientific journals. In addition, research at HAARP is regularly presented at annual scientific conferences that include sessions devoted to ionospheric interactive research, including those sponsored by the American Geophysical Union held annually in the Fall and by the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) held annually in January. The question occasionally arises as to why HAARP was being built in Alaska. Like Canada, Russia, and Norway among others, the United States is an Arctic nation. If we are to make informed decisions concerning the use and preservation of the region's resources and develop systems that are compatible with the unique Arctic environment, we need knowledge derived from high-quality research activities. The Arctic ionosphere strongly affects high latitude telecommunication systems, and depending on solar activity and geographic location, the natural variations in the ionosphere over Alaska can be characterized as polar, auroral, or mid-latitude, leading to wide variations in communication performance. The HAARP Facility is ideally situated to allow the study of each of these conditions. More will be said about this later. In summary, the aim of research conducted at HAARP is to explore and understand natural phenomena occurring in the Earth's ionosphere and near-Earth space environment. This research is of considerable value for communication and navigation system applications. Other research will examine the use of low frequencies for underwater communications. But in the end, the goal of all the research conducted at HAARP is knowledge. Knowledge is the fuel that powers our modern technological society. While many of the potential applications of this research can be foreseen, history tells us that many new and highly significant benefits will also emerge.

Technical Information The HAARP Ionospheric Research facility will be a major Arctic facility for conducting upper atmospheric research. The facility will consist of two essential parts: 1. A high power transmitter and antenna array operating in the High Frequency (HF) range. The transmitter is capable of delivering up to 3.6 million Watts to an antenna system consisting of 180 crossed dipole antennas arranged as a rectangular, planar array. 2. A complete and extensive set of scientific instruments for observation of both the background auroral ionosphere and of the effects produced during active research using the transmitter system. Output from these instruments is readily available world-wide in near real time over the internet. During active ionospheric research, the signal generated by the transmitter system is delivered to the antenna array, transmitted in an upward direction, and is partially absorbed, at an altitude between 100 to 350 km (depending on operating frequency), in a small volume a few hundred meters thick and a few tens of kilometers in diameter over the site. The intensity of the HF signal in the ionosphere is less than 3 microwatts per cm2, tens of thousands of times less than the Sun's natural electromagnetic radiation reaching the earth and hundreds of times less than even the normal random variations in intensity of the Sun's natural ultraviolet (UV) energy which creates the ionosphere. The small effects that are produced, however, can be observed with the sensitive scientific instruments installed at the HAARP facility and these observations can provide new information about the dynamics of plasmas and new insight into the processes of solarterrestrial interactions. Background The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program has as its goal, the study of the ionosphere to advance our understanding of its basic physical properties and behavior and to learn how to develop new communication, navigation and surveillance systems that are better able to deal with its variabilities. The program operates a new and modern facility, known as the HAARP Research Station near Gakona, AK and sponsors a broad research program in the areas of plasma physics and radio science using that facility. Work on the HAARP Research Station was begun in 1993 following a one year environmental impact analysis. The first functional facility was completed in December 1994 with three passive, diagnostic instruments and an evaluation prototype HF transmitter consisting of 18 antenna elements and a net radiated power of 360 kW. In March 1999, the HAARP Research Station had been developed to an intermediate level capable of high quality ionospheric research with the addition of several additonal instruments to the diagnostic suite and an improved HF transmitter utilizing 48 antenna elements and with a net radiated power capability of 960 kW. Between 1999 and 2006, 20 major research campaigns and numerous shorter studies were conducted at the facility. The results of this research have yielded new discoveries and have identified new areas to be studied. The results of research sponsored by HAARP have been reported in peerreviewed scientific journals including The Journal of Geophysical Research, Geophysical

Research Letters, Radio Science, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and Nature. Beginning in 2003, the program began the final stage of development at the HAARP Research Station. In addition, between 2003 and 2006, new instruments were added to the facility including a new UHF Ionospheric Radar and a telescopic dome for optical observations. The HF transmitter now consists of 180 antenna elements having a net radiated power capability of 3,600 kW, thus completing its development as originally planned. Although the HF transmitter is complete, the program continues to improve and develop the suite of scientific instruments at the facility to enhance its scientific product. The following sections discuss individual aspects of the facility in greater detail. Some photos of the current facility are available in our Photo Index section. The High Frequency Transmitter and Antenna Array Work began on completing the HF Transmitter system, also called the Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI), during fall 2003. Previously, research at the facility utilized a 48 element antenna array situated on a 5 acre gravel pad, originally constructed in 1993. During the fall and winter of 2003-2004, this pad was expanded to a total area of 35 acres to support the 15 X 12 antenna elements comprising the completed IRI antenna system. Specialized antenna tower supports called thermopiles were installed during the winter of 2003-2004 at precisely surveyed locations within the new pad. These thermopiles have integral passive cooling systems to stabilize the marginal permafrost subsoil below the gravel surface. During the summer of 2004, the 132 additional antenna towers and dipole elements were installed on the thermopiles. Concurrently, the original elevated ground screen was removed and a new ground screen installed below the entire 180 antenna element array. Early in 2004, work began to manufacture the 132 new transmitters required for the completed high power HF system. Twenty-two new transmitter shelters were manufactured and positioned throughout the antenna array to house the transmitters as they were completed and delivered to the site. Work also began to upgrade the distribution systems for prime power, and for the low level signal and control systems. Work began during 2004 to increase the on-site prime power generation capability to the capacity required by the completed IRI. Four additional diesel-generators were taken out of storage, refurbished and installed in the power plant at the facility. The engines and their associated components including the mufflers and stacks were modified to meet exhaust emission and acoustic noise requirements. Following completion of this work in 2006, the HAARP Research Station now has an installed power generation capability of approximately 12.5 MW. After acceptance testing at the factory, individual 20 kW transmitters were delivered to the site in groups of 6 beginning early in 2005. Each transmitter was then installed in a shelter, tested again and prepared for integration with the other system elements. Integrating the transmitters with the antennas, and with the low level signal, control and power distribution systems began during 2006 and ended with the delivery of the final transmitters early in 2007. The prime contractor for completing the IRI was BAE Systems, Advanced

Technologies with major subcontractors Continental Electronics Corporation (for the transmitters) and Antenna Products Corp. (for the antenna system). The following figure shows the timeline over which the HAARP HF Transmitter was completed.

Although the construction of the IRI is complete, work is still required to validate the system for technical performance and for compliance with signal purity and safety requirements required by regulatory agencies. This evaluation began during March 2007. HAARP Scientific and Monitoring Instruments The HAARP observatory has a diverse suite of scientific instruments which operate continuously, providing important data to characterize the physical processes in the ionosphere produced during operation of the facility's high power HF transmitter. They are also used during research periods to help determine the optimum operating conditions for the HF transmitter. When the HF transmitter is not in operation, the instruments provide real-time data on geophysical parameters that describe and characterize the background ionosphere and magnetosphere under typical conditions ranging from quiet to disturbed (in response to a solar flare, for example). Current data from many of these instruments are available on our web site. Significant additions have recently been made to the instrument suite at the HAARP Research Station. The UHF Ionospheric Radar, acquired in conjunction with the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF), is a phased array consisting of 512 antenna elements and operating at a frequency of 446 MHz. This diagnostic radar is particularly useful for the study of ionospheric physical processes during operation of the high power HF transmitter. The instrument installed at HAARP is a small portion of a much larger design developed for the National Science Foundation (NSF) by SRI International. (You can read more about the NSF Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar or AMISR). At its current level of development, the HAARP UHF radar can readily detect plasma and ion lines and many of their properties during operation of the high power HF transmitter.

Another important new diagnostic instrument, an 8 X 8 antenna element imaging riometer, has recently gone into operation at the HAARP Research Station. This instrument monitors the weak galactic background noise at a frequency of 37 MHz using a receiving antenna pattern that permits mapping the ionospheric absorption in 64 overhead patches. This instrument, which was also acquired in conjunction with UAF, is similar to a larger imaging riometer currently in operation at the Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks. A new optical shelter has recently been installed at one of the remote instrument pads at the facility. The new shelter includes a 14 ft. telescope dome with shutter and is rotatable through 360 degrees of azimuth. In addition, a new computer controlled telescope has been added to the existing suite of optical imagers and photometers used during imaging research. Taking advantage of its narrow field of view and sensitive CCD imager, the telescope allows the study and characterization of fine structure in the faint airglow produced under certain conditions of HF transmitter operation. The following listing shows the scientific instruments currently in operation, either at the HAARP Research Station or off-site:

Modular UHF Ionospheric Radar (446 MHz, 512 elements) All sky riometer Imaging riometer 8 X 8 Array Fluxgate Magnetometer Induction Magnetometer Ionosonde Optical Shelters and 14 ft Dome o All-sky imagers o Computer Controlled Telescopic imager Tomography Chain (150/400 MHz satellite receivers) Cordova -> Kaktovik VHF Radar (139 MHz) Ionospheric Scintillation Receivers o SATSIN (Chistochina/Nebesna) o GPS-NOVATEL o Total Electron Content Radio Background Receivers o Multiple Off-site Broadband ELF/VLF Receivers o SEE Receiver string o HF - UHF Spectrum Monitor HF 2-30 MHz High Angle Receiving Antenna

General Questions about HAARP What is HAARP? HAARP stands for The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program. The goal of this program is to further advance our knowledge of the physical and electrical properties of the Earth's ionosphere which can affect our military and civilian communication and navigation systems. The HAARP program operates a world-class ionospheric research facility located in Gakona, Alaska.

What is the name of this research facility? The facility is called the HAARP Research Station, Gakona. Who built the HAARP facility? The prime contractor for construction at the facility was BAE Systems, Advanced Technology (BAE/AT). Major construction at the facility was completed during 2007. When did the HAARP program start? The HAARP program began in 1990. Where is the HAARP facility located? The HAARP Research Station is located 180 miles ENE of Anchorage, Alaska and approximately 8 miles north of Gakona, Alaska. What are the geographic coordinates of the facility? The facility is located at: 62 deg 23.5 min North Latitude 145 deg 8.8 min West Longitude Why was Alaska chosen for HAARP? An Alaskan site was required since Alaska is the only state that is in the auroral region. In fact, the site chosen for HAARP is ideal on two accounts: 1. The Alaskan ionosphere over HAARP can be characterized as mid-latitude, auroral or polar depending on how active the sun is at any given time and day. This gives a very wide variety of ionospheric conditions to study. 2. The HAARP research facility consists of two major subsystems: (1) the HF transmitter, and (2) the other scientific, observational instruments that have been designed and built and which are also being installed at the site. The two subsystems are equal in research importance. The scientific observation instruments require a quiet electromagnetic location. Such quiet locations are only found away from cities and built up areas. This is one reason, for example, that optical telescopes are built on remote mountaintops: to avoid the optical "noise" associated with big cities. Does the facility operate continuously? Many of the scientific instruments at the ionospheric observatory operate continuously to monitor the natural geomagnetic environment. Data collected by these instruments are archived and are made available in chart format in real time on our web site. The HF Transmitter at the HAARP Research Station is used intermittently and is primarily operated to support research campaigns where groups of scientists collaborate to conduct interactive ionospheric research.

Can I visit HAARP? The HAARP Research Station does not employ sufficient on-site staff to allow routine tours of the facility. Entry to the facility is normally restricted to those having a need to conduct business at the facility. We recognize that there is great interest in the scientific work of the facility. In response to this interest, HAARP schedules open houses at which any and all are invited to visit the site. Several scientists are usually present at these open houses so that visitors can talk directly with those who use the facility for research. Open houses have been held most years since 1995 and have proven to be a popular event. The most recent open house was held on July 17, 2010. How can I find out about the Open Houses? Open Houses are generally held during the summer season. The dates and times are announced in advance in Alaska newspapers and on the HAARP Home Page. Is there a HAARP visitor's center? There is currently no visitor's center. Is HAARP a classified project? HAARP is not classified. There are no classified documents pertaining to HAARP. The Environmental Impact Process (EIP) documents have always been, are now, and will always be completely descriptive of the program in its entirety. The EIP documents are a matter of public record.

Questions about the research

Why is ionospheric research important? The fundamental goal of research conducted at HAARP is knowledge; to explore and to understand natural phenomena occurring in the Earth's ionosphere and near-space environment. Information derived from this research will have major value in the design of future communication and navigation systems for both military and civilian use. What kind of research will be conducted at the HAARP facility? The research to be conducted at HAARP falls into two broad categories: 1. The study of basic natural processes that occur in the ionosphere under the natural but much stronger influence of solar interaction. This includes studying how the natural ionosphere affects radio signals with the goal of developing techniques that may be available for mitigating these effects to improve the reliability and/or the performance of communication and navigation systems. 2. Development of technology to use effects produced through ionospheric interactions. One example of this is learning how to generate new signals in the ELF range for the real application of subsurface communications.

Where can I read about the research that is conducted at the HAARP Facility? Research conducted at the HAARP Observatory is generally published in peer-reviewed scientific journals such as the Journal of Geophysical Research, Geophysical Research Letters, and Radio Science. Since the first research campaign at HAARP in 1999, hundreds of scholarly papers have been published in these and other scientific journals or presented at scientific conferences. While the best place to search for results of HAARP research is at a university library, some of these journals provide an on-line search engine for their own publications. For example, to search for HAARP research published in one of the journals of the American Geophysical Union, go to their on-line search site: AGU Search Enter the search term "HAARP" and press the search button. Who are the people that conduct research at HAARP? The scientists who conduct research at HAARP are university physicists, their students, government scientists and scientists from commercial firms having an interest in communication and radio science theory and applications. What Universities have participated in the HAARP program? Several universities have played a major role in HAARP from its inception to the present time including the University of Alaska, The Leland Stanford University, Penn State University (ARL), Boston College, Dartmouth University, Cornell University, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, MIT, Polytechnic University, UCLA, Clemson University and the University of Florida. The development of the program objectives and initial design concept, selection of the prime contractor, development of diagnostic equipment, and the planning of research campaigns have all been heavily dependent on university involvement. University students and professors make up the majority of attendees at the annual Ionospheric Interactions Workshop where progress in ionospheric research is reported. Does HAARP have a community outreach program? To provide support to the local community, the University of Alaska is working with HAARP to conduct a cooperative science program with the Glennallen High School, the Prince William Sound Community College and other schools in the Copper River Valley area.

Questions about the HF Transmitter and Antenna

How frequently is the HF transmitter used? The HF Transmitter is used during research campaigns to support interactive study of the ionosphere. A typical research period may last one or two weeks and several such campaigns may occur in a given year.

How large is the HAARP antenna array? The HAARP antenna array consists of 180 antennas on a total land area of about 35 acres. The array, along with its integrated transmitters, has a total radiated power capability of about 3,600 kilowatts. What is the current development status of the HAARP HF Transmitter? The HAARP transmitter and antenna array is complete with all of the originally planned 180 antennas installed. Is there any additional transmitter development planned beyond that described in the EIS? No. How does HAARP compare with other high power facilities? The HAARP HF transmitter and antenna array is similar in function to several other high power transmitters operating in the High Frequency range although its power capability is greater. How much power will be required to operate the transmitter? The HF transmitter system is able to produce approximately 3.6 million Watts of radio frequency power. However, the HAARP transmitters have been designed to operate very linearly (in Class AB mode) so that they will not produce radio interference to other users of the radio spectrum. To achieve that degree of linearity, the transmitters operate at an efficiency of only about 45 %. For every 100 Watts of input power 45 Watts of Radio Frequency power is generated and the rest is lost in the transmitter cabinet as heat. (As an analogy, a 75 Watt light bulb gets quite hot while it's producing the light you actually see.) In addition, the on-site diesel generators must provide power for other equipment used by the transmitters including the cooling system and low level amplifier stages. As a result, approximately 10 million Watts of prime power will be required when the transmitter system is operating at full power. How much power does HAARP take from the power grid? HAARP draws only housekeeping power, used for lighting, heating, and computers, from the local power grid. During research operations, the HAARP facility is taken off the local power grid completely.

Safety and environmental questions

Was an environmental impact study conducted on HAARP? An Environmental Impact Study was conducted during 1992-93 in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Why was an environmental impact study conducted? The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires all US government agencies to conduct an environmental impact study prior to beginning construction of any major facility.

What impacts did the study find? The study concluded, "All of the significant environmental impacts associated with [building and operating the HAARP Observatory at Gakona] can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Some insignificant potential impacts, such as lost habitat, socioeconomic, and wildlife impacts, may not be mitigated." Who has oversight over HAARP and its operations? Numerous Federal and State agencies have oversight over one or more aspects of the HAARP Research Station or its operations. There is a detailed page on our web site describing this oversight. Is HAARP capable of affecting the weather? The HAARP facility will not affect the weather. Transmitted energy in the frequency ranges that will be used by HAARP is not absorbed in either the troposphere or the stratosphere the two levels of the atmosphere that produce the earth's weather. Electromagnetic interactions only occur in the near-vacuum of the rarefied region above about 70 km known as the ionosphere. The ionosphere is created and continuously replenished as the sun's radiation interacts with the highest levels of the Earth's atmosphere. The downward coupling from the ionosphere to the stratosphere/troposphere is extremely weak, and no association between natural ionospheric variability and surface weather and climate has been found, even at the extraordinarily high levels of ionospheric turbulence that the sun can produce during a geomagnetic storm. If the ionospheric storms caused by the sun itself don't affect the surface weather, there is no chance that HAARP can do so either. How long do the effects of ionospheric heating last? Since the ionosphere is, inherently, a turbulent medium that is being both "stirred up" and renewed by the sun, artificially induced effects are quickly obliterated. Depending on the height within the ionosphere where the effect is originally produced, these effects are no longer detectable after times ranging from less than a second to ten minutes. A good analogy to this process is dropping a stone into a fast moving stream. The ripples caused by the stone are very quickly lost in the rapidly moving water and, a little farther down the stream, are completely undetectable. A University of Alaska, Geophysical Institute scientist has compared HAARP to an "immersion heater in the Yukon River." Can HAARP create a hole in the ionosphere? No. Any effects produced by HAARP are miniscule compared with the natural day-night variations that occur in the ionosphere. Several ionospheric layers completely disappear naturally over a whole hemisphere during the evening hours. HAARP can't come close to producing this effect, even in the limited region directly over the site. Can HAARP create an artificial aurora? The natural aurora is created when very high energy particles emitted by the sun, reach the Earth's vicinity, are swept toward the Earth's magnetic poles, and collide with gas

molecules existing in the upper atmosphere. The energy involved in this process is enormous but is entirely natural and it has been a normal event throughout Earth's history. HAARP is so much weaker than these naturally occurring processes that it is incapable of producing the type of optical display observed during an aurora. However, weak and repeatable optical emissions have been observed using HAARP (and reported in the scientific literature) using very sensitive cameras. Are there any health hazards associated with electromagnetic fields produced by HAARP? The health and safety of the public (and of the scientific researchers who will be present at the site) has been a primary focus in the design of the HAARP HF transmitter and antenna array. There are no locations on-site or off-site where the E-M fields exceed safety standards for RFR exposure as defined by IEEE/ANSI C95.1-1992 and NCRP Report No 86. In fact, the E-M fields measured at the closest public access to the site are lower than those existing in many urban environments. You mention in your graph and accompanying text that the E-M radiation at the closest public point is 10,000 times below the maximum allowed by the standard. What is the field strength on the site itself? The only points on the site that approach the EM safety standard are close to or directly under the antenna array itself. Numerous computer simulations, confirmed with measurements during tests show that the highest fields are actually near the edge of the ground screen, about 60 - 80 feet away from the nearest antenna element. A fence around the antenna gravel pad, about 60 feet farther out than the ground screen (about 150 feet away from the antennas all around), encloses the limited area under the antennas where fields might exceed the standard. Outside the fenced antenna pad, the fields drop off very rapidly, and are always below the standard. The closest public access point to the facility at the Tok Highway is about 3,000 feet from the antenna fence and the field at this point has decreased to 10,000 times below the safety standard. Can HAARP be used to generate ELF? Yes. However, the HAARP facility does not directly transmit signals in the ELF frequency range. Instead, ELF signals are generated in the ionosphere at an altitude of around 100 km. Frequencies ranging from below one Hz to about 20 kHz can be generated through this ionospheric interaction process. How strong are the ELF signals generated using HAARP? Under optimum conditions, signals generated using ionospheric interaction techniques may be measured in the tens of pT range and tend to be strongest at frequencies around 2 kHz. Is there any safety concern with the ELF signals generated using HAARP? No. These signals are more than eleven million times weaker (smaller) than the Earth's background field and about one million times weaker (smaller) than the level where

researchers have reported biological effects in the literature. Signals generated through ionospheric interaction are so weak, in fact, that sophisticated instruments must be used to observe them. Nevertheless, they are still valuable for scientific purposes and for communication applications. What about radio frequency interference? Analyses conducted during the environmental impact process suggest that radio frequency interference could occur for receiver systems that operate in the areas surrounding Gakona. However, other facilities using transmitters and supporting diagnostic instruments similar to HAARP, have achieved compatibility with other users of the radio frequency environment. The government is committed to achieve compatibility with other users of the electromagnetic spectrum and an electromagnetic compatibility program has been established to assure this goal is achieved. The EIS Record of Decision required HAARP to establish a Radio Frequency Advisory Committee. This committee, with representatives from organizations that are users of the HF spectrum has met regularly since 1994 to inform the groups of progress at the facility and to receive their input and suggestions.

Questions about facility operations

Do you publish a transmitting schedule by frequency and time? Research activities generally require a specific ionospheric condition to pre-exist before any given experiment can begin. For example, one experiment may require that the Dlayer be absent. The D-layer normally disappears after local sunset but the timing may vary from one day to the next depending on solar activity. HAARP is required to operate on a "Not-to-Interfere-Basis" (NIB). This means that the operating frequency must be selected carefully so as not to disrupt on-going communication activities. In other words, a candidate frequency may have to be re-chosen if the frequency is already being used by someone else. Also, the optimum frequency for any given experiment changes as the ionosphere undergoes its natural variation throughout the day and this is continually monitored using some of the observational instruments at the site. As a result, it will be virtually impossible to know in advance the exact time or frequency for any day's operation. I hear a strong interfering signal in the ham bands. Is this HAARP? HAARP is not authorized to operate in the Ham bands and the transmitter has been "locked out" of those frequencies. In addition, because of the harmonic relationship of the amateur 40 and 80 meter bands, it is not possible for a harmonic of the HAARP transmitter to fall in those bands.

How can I report suspected interference from the HAARP HF Transmitter? Suspected interference should be reported to the Federal Communications Commission. HAARP maintains an interference reporting "hotline" at the phone number (907) 822-5497. This line is always answered during HF Transmitter operations. At all other times, a recording indicates that the transmitter is not in use. Can HAARP be used for military purposes? HAARP is not designed to be an operational system for military purposes. The HAARP specifications were developed by a consortium of universities to meet the requirements for a world-class research facility and an expanded group of universities are playing a major role in the design of future research efforts. The HAARP facility will be used for basic and applied plasma physics and Radio Science research related to the study of the Earth's ionosphere. Because the DoD operates numerous communication and navigation systems whose signals either depend on reflection from the ionosphere or must pass through the ionosphere to satellites, there is obvious DoD interest in understanding the ionosphere's effect on these systems to improve their reliability and performance. A greater understanding of the physics of the ionosphere is expected to result in improvements to commercial applications, such as GPS and LEO communication satellites whose performance is often significantly affected by random ionospheric variations. Administratively, HAARP is restricted to operate only on a "not-to-interfere-basis" (NIB) by the NTIA and is categorized as an experimental station (XR) in the NTIA spectrum certification document. Data Index The HAARP Ionospheric Observatory uses numerous scientific instruments to study the earth's geomagnetic environment and to assess radio propagation conditions. These instruments operate continuously, monitoring and archiving the naturally occurring variations that take place in response to the sun's day-to-day and long term variability. Current geophysical data is available from the scientific instruments in the listing below.

Magnetometer Current Chart and Archives Magnetometer Chain HAARP HF Ionosonde Latest Ionogram Ionosonde Home Page Historical Time Series.

VHF Classic Riometer Current Chart and Archives Induction Magnetometer Current Chart About the Induction Magnetometer

--- Total Electron Content and Scintillation --Total Electron Content Running TEC Chart TEC Archive from GPS Latitude Scans of TEC and Scintillation About TEC Archive of Scans

Spectrum Monitor Waterfall Charts HF Chart (1-30 Mhz) NCDXF Beacons (14.1 MHz) NCDXF Beacons (18.11 MHz) VHF chart (100-200 MHz) FM Broadcast (85-110 MHz) HAARP All-Sky Imager Latest All-Sky Image. Image Catalog.

HAARP Observatory Weather Station Current weather conditions and charts

GPS Scintillation Charts from AFRL. Ionospheric Scintillation Charts from AFRL. Description of GPS Charts.